“When I say out loud that I have been teaching 54 years, I am startled,” Betty Esslinger said. She is an English, Literature and Composition teacher at Scottsboro High School. Growing up around the beauty of Lake Guntersville and the Appalachian mountains, Esslinger never wanted to live anywhere else. “The people and their love for the community make the town special,” she said.

Inside the classroom, Esslinger brings to life some of the best works of literature and connects themes and ideas back to her students’ everyday lives.

The majority of her teaching years have been spent educating 11-12th graders. During her career, she’s found that her favorite unit—the Romantic Period and the New England Renaissance—is also one her students find the most relatable. “My students relate well to Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Their ideas about nature and individualism always spark enlightenment,” she explained. “Both authors teach the importance of appreciating nature and the value of an individual’s right to think. Emerson’s “Nature” and “Self-Reliance” help students to examine their own lives and their dreams and goals. Thoreau’s “Walden” is truly a lesson about how to live a life.”

Outside the classroom, Esslinger enjoys tending to her farm of “30 cows, a few goats and 3 horses,” bush hogging the pasture on her John Deere tractor and playing pickleball.

Learn more about how Betty Esslinger began her 54-year career in education and what keeps her going.

Career Pathway

How did you get started in education?

My earliest memories of teaching started at age 12 when I assisted Mrs. Sue Hollis with Red Cross Swimming lessons. When I was old enough, I became a Water Safety Instructor and was in charge of the Red Cross Swimming Program in Jackson County. Interestingly enough, I did this job for several years for free. 

When I finished at Jacksonville State, I came home and went to work in my daddy’s restaurant. One afternoon, the superintendent came into the restaurant for his afternoon coffee and honey bun. He brought me an application for a teaching position and told me to fill it out. He picked it up the next day at coffee time. The board met, and I was hired as a 6th grade teacher and cheerleader coach. I went to work for Mr. Lewis Page, the principal. He was also my principal when I was in junior high. I am so fortunate to have had my early years under Mr. Page because he took time with me and taught me how to be a good teacher. I continued to coach cheerleaders for 25 years and moved to the 11th grade in 1975.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I am here, and have been here, because of the students. They are the best part of my day! The fact that I get to share with them some of the best works in literature makes this job the best job ever. No, they don’t all leave with a love of the great works, but they all leave with a story. The fact that they become a part of my story, and I become a part of their story is the most important part of my job.

What’s a common misconception about your job? 

The job of teaching may appear to be from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. job that lasts from August to May. Actually teachers spend many hours after school working with students, attending meetings, and studying data on ways to improve student performance. Also, high school teachers spend countless hours helping with homecoming, prom, and working the gates at ballgames. Even weekends are taxed with lesson plans for the week, catching up on paper grading, and writing letters of recommendations. The days and nights are long, and the work is never done. Some may view teaching as just delivering content and following a curriculum, but teaching is much more. Teaching is about understanding the unique needs, backgrounds, and learning styles of each student. 

Inside the Classroom

How do you encourage student curiosity? 

I encourage student curiosity by creating a stimulating environment where questions are valued more than answers. I try to model curiosity by demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and exploring new ideas. I provide opportunities for students to develop projects that allow them to  use art, music, or short dramatic performances to showcase their talents.

Tell us about a time when you helped a student overcome a problem.

I once had a student who struggled with reading comprehension. She was bright but had developed a sense of defeat when it came to reading assignments.  I worked closely with her, offering one-on-one tutoring sessions where we broke down texts into more manageable parts. I call this skill “chunking the text.” We also practiced annotation skills. During the time in class, she became more confident and soon found a love for reading.  She also improved on the reading section of her ACT.  Helping students find this confidence and seeing them succeed is the absolute best part of teaching.

How do you stay motivated in the classroom?

Truly, my motivation comes from my students.  Seeing them have “aha” moments or succeed after struggling with a concept is incredibly rewarding. I also find motivation in setting small goals, whether it’s trying a new teaching method or integrating fresh content into lessons. Reflection plays a major role. For example, taking time to assess what’s working and how I can improve is important. Also, I like to ask for feedback from students. I ask them about every two weeks about how class is progressing. The students’ comments not only keep me energized but also keep me focused.

Tell us about one of your most challenging projects or experiences.

One of the most challenging experiences is finding a way to help non-English speaking students. Through collaboration with colleagues and some excellent digital programs, I have found a way to help them learn a little English. It is still the most frustrating part of my day, and I feel that I am not really meeting their needs. I wish we could provide a class that helps them to learn the language.

How do you use APT and PBSLearning Media resources in the classroom?

PBS Learning Media is a fantastic resource and provides high-quality educational videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities that can enhance classroom learning. For example, in my American literature class, I use segments from the PBS documentary on Ben Franklin by Ken Burns when I teach the Revolutionary Period. The videos are excellent resources.

Mentorship

What’s the most important purpose a teacher performs?

The most important purpose is to teach students to thrive and survive in the real world. A teacher must guide and inspire students to reach their full potential not only in academics but also as individuals in society. Teachers play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and a love for learning. Teachers help students develop the skills they need to navigate the world, such as problem solving, communication, and empathy. By creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment, teachers equip students with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed. The most important purpose of a teacher is to create lifelong learners so that they can be informed and responsible citizens.

What inspires you?

Much of my inspiration comes from students who become interested in reading or writing. Their enthusiasm about a novel or an assignment that sparks their interest really inspires me to work harder and strive to help them make connections in real life to the works they study. Former students inspire me and make me want to work harder when they call or text with an appreciation of learning to write and read critically while in my classroom. 

What is your approach to teaching students?

My approach to teaching students is to value and respect them by listening to their opinions and making eye contact with them. On the first day, which to me is the most important day because it sets the tone, I learn all their names, the extracurricular activities they are involved in, and the music they enjoy. Showing this genuine interest in them helps to build a rapport with them that becomes more important each day. Being fair and consistent with discipline and enthusiastic about class helps to develop trust and respect. Developing a good relationship with students is essential for creating a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable, respected, and motivated. Building this connection requires patience and a genuine interest in them not just as students but as individuals.

How do you cultivate curiosity in yourself?

I stay curious by always looking for new ways to connect with students. Participating in summer workshops such as Advanced Placement for Literature and Composition, attending online workshops during the year, and attending the National Council of Teachers of English each year rekindles my excitement for discovery.

What part of your job do you wish you’d known earlier?

We cannot foresee the future, and we all know that change is inevitable, but I wish I could have been more prepared for the effects of technology. Although “I am a seasoned teacher”, I try to stay up with the latest trends and teaching strategies to help reach my students.

How do you manage parent and administrator expectations?

Clear communication is key to managing expectations. I make sure to keep parents and administrators in the loop about student progress, concerns, and successes. Setting realistic goals from the beginning and maintaining transparency prevents misunderstandings. I also try to be a good listener and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of potential problems before I make a decision.  

What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Teaching requires patience, flexibility, and a deep love of learning. My advice to those interested would be to spend some time reflecting on why they want to teach and to consider if they would want to spend time working with young minds. Teaching is not only challenging but also deeply rewarding. Be aware that as a teacher you must be willing to get out of your comfort zone. If you do not truly love kids, then you should choose another profession.

What advice would you give a first-year teacher?

At Jacksonville State, my advisor in education told me that my students would not care how much I know until they knew how much I cared. I have found this advice over the past 54 years to be solid. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Always be willing to find out. Learn from mistakes. Ask students to evaluate lessons anonymously. Feedback is very important. Do not try to be their friend; you are the teacher. However, you should always show compassion and understanding to all your students. Love the ones that are the hardest to love. They are the ones who need love the most. Most importantly, be willing to laugh at yourself. Kids like to know teachers are human.

What would you say to the class of 2024-2025?

To the class of 2024-2025: Carpe Diem! Seize the Day. Embrace challenges and keep an open mind. Don’t let fear cripple you. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone. In all you do, finish well.

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